Brandon Aiyuk

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Aiyuk was not an option for the team while it dealt with multiple receiver injuries. Aiyuk had not applied for NFL reinstatement, so he remained on the reserve/left squad list.

Aiyuk publicly said on social media that he did not intend to return to the 49ers after the team had voided his guarantees. The statement added to a long-running standoff over his recovery, contractual status, and potential future with the club.

The 49ers placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list, which ended his 2025 season without him playing a game. He had been recovering from a serious knee injury, leaving his status with the team uncertain.

The San Francisco 49ers voided the 2026 guaranteed money in Aiyuk's contract, citing that he had not met requirements tied to his recovery and team obligations. The move intensified uncertainty about his future with the franchise and set up a major contract dispute.